The Manila Times

Green wants to be the best version of himself

BY NIEL VICTOR C. MASOY

FILIPINO American basketball star Jalen Green sizzled in his rookie year in the NBA 2021-2022 season. With averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, the 6-foot-5 Green made it to the NBA All-Rookie team.

Stellar as Green’s game had been last season, it didn’t translate to wins for his Houston Rockets, who finished dead last in the league with a season record of 20 wins and 62 losses.

With that in mind, the 20-yearold Green looks to build a winning mentality and be the best version of himself as he gears up for his sophomore season, where opposing teams are now more focused on stopping him.

“My mindset is to go in and be the best version of myself on and off the court. Like I said, I’d try to build a winning mentality,” said Green in the JG4 press conference at the Adidas Brand Center at Glorietta 3 in Makati on Thursday.

“We (the Rockets) are very young. We’re rebuilding right now. We try to go in the right direction and try to keep the same (winning) mindset and try to win.”

After playing in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the National Basketball Training Center, Green visited the country anew for the JG4 tour, where he met the Philippine media and the fans.

At press time, Green was headed to the Ayala Malls Manila Bay where he will further connect with his Filipino roots through the One of One Tribute: Manila Culture Experience.

Green, who said that the highlight of his rookie season was when he dropped 32 points in an overtime win over the Lakers last March, wasn’t about to leave the country without giving advice to the people, who want to make it big in their field just like he did in his.

“Keep your head down, stay in the game, stay focused. Don’t get lost. Keep the main thing, the main thing, the best ones the main thing,” he said.

Sports

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2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/282033330973277

The Manila Times